The ANAX has three main generators and an emergency generator with automatic circuit-breaker opening and closing. The steering gear is operated by two motors, one powered by the main generator and the other by the emergency electrical system. Each of these motors is equipped with a power unit; one powered by the main generator and the other by the emergency electrical system. The main switchboard in the engine-room is connected to the emergency board in the emergency generator compartment. The latter supplies power to the navigation instruments, the alarms and the steering position in the wheel-house. A switch on the steering position console can be used to select power unit No.1 or power unit No.2. The two hydraulic pumps of the steering gear were in operation before the grounding. As the main electrical power source was available, one of the steering motors and one of the power units were still in operation. However, there were no instructions posted on the bridge setting out the procedures to be followed by personnel in the event of a steering gear failure, contrary to what is set out in the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974. The opening of the circuit breaker on the main switchboard should have started the emergency generator automatically. Tests showed, however, that the emergency generator was not in starting condition and its circuit breaker was not closing automatically. The main engine can be put into reverse in an emergency even if it is operating on heavy oil. However, there have to be precise operating procedures in use between the bridge watch personnel and the engine-room staff so that they can perform emergency manoeuvres without hesitation. The procedures in effect on board the ANAX did not allow for any such emergency manoeuvres.Analysis The ANAX has three main generators and an emergency generator with automatic circuit-breaker opening and closing. The steering gear is operated by two motors, one powered by the main generator and the other by the emergency electrical system. Each of these motors is equipped with a power unit; one powered by the main generator and the other by the emergency electrical system. The main switchboard in the engine-room is connected to the emergency board in the emergency generator compartment. The latter supplies power to the navigation instruments, the alarms and the steering position in the wheel-house. A switch on the steering position console can be used to select power unit No.1 or power unit No.2. The two hydraulic pumps of the steering gear were in operation before the grounding. As the main electrical power source was available, one of the steering motors and one of the power units were still in operation. However, there were no instructions posted on the bridge setting out the procedures to be followed by personnel in the event of a steering gear failure, contrary to what is set out in the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974. The opening of the circuit breaker on the main switchboard should have started the emergency generator automatically. Tests showed, however, that the emergency generator was not in starting condition and its circuit breaker was not closing automatically. The main engine can be put into reverse in an emergency even if it is operating on heavy oil. However, there have to be precise operating procedures in use between the bridge watch personnel and the engine-room staff so that they can perform emergency manoeuvres without hesitation. The procedures in effect on board the ANAX did not allow for any such emergency manoeuvres. The opening of the emergency electrical system circuit breaker on the main switchboard appears to have caused the momentary power interruption which occurred on the bridge. Inspections, in conjunction with tests, established that no part of the electrical system involved was defective. 3. Following a detailed inspection, it was established that the emergency generator was not in working order. Better knowledge of the steering gear system as well as emergency procedures posted on the bridge would have enabled the watch personnel to act promptly and to regain control of steering. The main engine was running on heavy oil while the vessel was in confined waters. The engine could have been reversed even though it was operating on heavy oil.Findings The opening of the emergency electrical system circuit breaker on the main switchboard appears to have caused the momentary power interruption which occurred on the bridge. Inspections, in conjunction with tests, established that no part of the electrical system involved was defective. 3. Following a detailed inspection, it was established that the emergency generator was not in working order. Better knowledge of the steering gear system as well as emergency procedures posted on the bridge would have enabled the watch personnel to act promptly and to regain control of steering. The main engine was running on heavy oil while the vessel was in confined waters. The engine could have been reversed even though it was operating on heavy oil. The grounding of the ANAX is attributable to the opening of the circuit breaker of the emergency electrical system although the exact cause of this was not determined. The emergency generator failed to start automatically because of frozen water in its fuel line. There were no emergency procedures and the bridge watch personnel was unable to deal with the situation and avert the grounding.Causes and Contributing Factors The grounding of the ANAX is attributable to the opening of the circuit breaker of the emergency electrical system although the exact cause of this was not determined. The emergency generator failed to start automatically because of frozen water in its fuel line. There were no emergency procedures and the bridge watch personnel was unable to deal with the situation and avert the grounding.